Thank you all.


Putting a tub and a wastebasket over two Iris stalks is about as much as I will be doing outside today. Chilly, damp, and windy. Hoping the covers will keep the bloom stalks going through the next three mornings when lows are supposed to be 29-30 degrees.



So, I would not normally post a photograph of myself. However, I am smiling in it and I may not be smiling again for a few weeks. Sister asked me to take in Shorty, the two kids, and the boyfriend for almost a month...sigh...I do NOT want to do that because I really don't like the boyfriend. At. All. But sister's house is even more crowded than usual and she looked so stressed and desperate I had to say okay. Told her it would be part of HER birthday present (January 28).

Anyhow, I have no makeup, eyes all puffy and swollen from allergies, eyebrows all askew, and hair every which way...wait...that's how I look all the time, now...never mind.

Debra, that is a great photo, you have the most beautiful smile and twinkling eyes.

with Margaret. Beautiful smile and lovely eyes, Debra!

I went to the grocery yesterday and found myself noticing the number of people that were walking around scowling or with frowns on their faces. I deliberately try to smile and say hello to people as I'm cruising the aisles. Smiles are contagious. Thank you for sharing your Beautiful smile, Debra.

Very nice smile, Debra! Can't help but smile back.

Most of the time I unconsciously put on a smile when I am in public. So when people smile at me, I realize then that I was smiling first.

Thank you. It was taken yesterday at the Walmart Neighborhood Market. One of the cashiers and I have the same name, only she spells hers the long way. We have become friendly and now she worries if she doesn't see me once a week. Happened to have the camera in my pocket and we got a friend of hers to take the photograph. (Don't have her permission to post her image, which is why I cropped her out for now.)


Here is that boy-child. Blondy had a sonogram this morning and my sister was keeping him occupied while mom and dad were busy. Once girl-child gets moved in here, I will take a recent one of her.

Love the picture Debra You look great and yes, your eyes are sparkling

I'll start now Because I KNOW you will need these ..

IF you need more just LMK

Thank you, Shannon, I will. Looking forward to the kids, and maybe even Shorty, but that...nope, gotta be positive or I will end up in an orange jumpsuit.

Don't worry .. WE will bail you out

Debra you are just as beautiful in that photo as we know you to be. Yes, what a wonderful smile & such lively, twinkling, bright eyes! And hey! Where's all your wrinkles???!!!!! NO FAIR!!!! You don't have any. NO FAIR!!!

Oh boy, the crew. I'll add these to what Shannon gave

nice to see you Debra ,..what a nice big dimpled smile

Debra, you look good. So sorry you are getting the crowd at your house again for a time.

Thank you, everyone.

Look at that beautiful face! And that kind, kind heart. Invariably you choose the welfare of the other, instead of the welfare of yourself. If you find yourself needing to rant and rave -- we're here. from me too.

Being able to rant and rave here may be the only thing that keeps me from losing my temper with one of them already...and they haven't done anything, yet.

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A happier topic: Even with two mornings in a row at 29 degrees, the Roses are doing well.

Just Joey // Pink Attraction. Uncovered it today, hoping the bin over it since Saturday will keep the bloom stalk developing.



Black Forest, in shade. Without flash, then with flash.



This little girl has been running the neighborhood for a couple of weeks, with near-continuous barking at people and the other dogs. I spent some time this afternoon sitting on the sidewalk coaxing her closer, even going back in the house to get dog biscuits and kibble (which worked). I think she belongs about eight houses up the street, but, in case she is a stray, I want to get her comfortable enough with me to get her in a carrier for Animal Control. A dirty trick, but better than getting run over or going hungry.



First Prize // Red Drift // Easy Does It



Coral Drift. Like you couldn't guess...

Debra it is so nice to see more of your lovely flowers! Your picture is great you have such a happy smile, no wonder everyone in your family wants to stay with you.

Keep a cool head Debra ,..its never easy to have someone invade your space and it changes your routine,..changes your thinking as well

Awesome blooms you must admit it would be hard to beat that camera for clarity,..shame about the little dog being let wander about,..sooner or later it will have a near miss or worse if it continues to be around the road,..i would agree Animal Care direction would be best

Lovely blossoms! Cute little doggie................

glengarry23 said:Keep a cool head Debra ,..its never easy to have someone invade your space and it changes your routine,..changes your thinking as well

Awesome blooms you must admit it would be hard to beat that camera for clarity,..shame about the little dog being let wander about,..sooner or later it will have a near miss or worse if it continues to be around the road,..i would agree Animal Care direction would be best

Philip is a wise man. Just keep telling yourself it's only 1 month, it's only 1 month, it's only 1 month. And you can come scream to high heaven here.
I also agree on the little doggy. I wish it weren't true but it is.

I would rather see a dog put down by animal control in a humane way, than to have it hungry, cold, full of itchy fleas or wounded while left wandering in the streets. That is such a rough way for them to be. If they don't take care of her any better than that, she is probably not spayed either and she could be preg too!